BANGKOK // Former England manager Sven Goran Eriksson was unveiled as technical director of Thai club BEC Tero Sasana on Monday,
The move marks the first venture by the Swede into Asian football in his colourful 35-year coaching career.
"I look forward to this job. I'm happy, otherwise I wouldn't be here," Eriksson told a packed news conference in Bangkok.
"What other people think is not that important for me anymore."
"The standard (of Thai soccer) today is much better. There are many good things. Of course, it will be a nice experience for me. And looking forward to it."
Eriksson, 64, will oversee strategic planning and support coaching staff of the two-times Thai champions, who become his latest club after stints in charge of some of the biggest teams in European football.
The former AS Roma, Manchester City, Benfica and Lazio coach takes over a club currently fourth in the league table, and hoping his appointment can inspire a return to the days of back-to-back championships in 2001 and 2002.
"I believe the players are eager to learn from a world-class expert," said the club's general manager Robert Procureur.
"Apart from the improvement of the team, I believe that his arrival will draw positive international attention to the Thai Premier League."